How to Pet a Dog You Don't Know

I recently read a Facebook status update written by a friend that read, “Please don’t touch my preggo tummy if you don’t know me.” I assume most pregnant women want to carry around a sign with those words. I also imagine that most dogs want to carry around a sign that reads, “Please don’t pat my head if you don’t know me.”

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Ellebiffle

Dogs are best introduced by the 'no touch,no talk' method. Then they smell you (and they can get your scent from many feet away. Everyone wants to pet our big Rottweiler/lab mix...but we don't know his triggers and he aggressively lunges for no reason. So because everyone wants to just come up and pet the 'big bear' of a dog, we can barely go anywhere, and are always on alert. In my opinion, would you like a random person coming up and petting you when you're relaxed with your family?

ALWAYS ask the owner first. My overly friendly lab loves everybody but I don't like everybody touching her as it over excites her and calming her down can be a challenge for me. Also don't smile showing a lot of teeth to unfamiliar dogs - not all but some dogs may see this as threatening (snarling). And yes let the dog come to you - not all dogs want attention or to be petted - AFTER the dog has come to you let them sniff a closed hand. Ive been told to pet with that same hand. If you bring in the other hand too fast to pet the dog may become fearful or defensive. And pet away from the mouth - just as a precaution unless the owner says otherwise.

The best suggestion I've seen on here is to ask the owner. She or he will be more familiar with the dog than you. It's not a perfect solution but it more often than not works. Also, if the dog sees you communicating with it's owner, less likely to see you as a threat. The one about extending a fist to protect your fingers is a good one too. Personally, I've found the little dogs more prone to being "nippy" than a big one but like one person said ... they are individuals.

All of my dogs (and cats) love to have their heads patted - in fact if you stop, they stick their head back under your arm. Also, like Stagetech, I find I can either approach most animals or they will come right up to me and beg to be petted. I think animals can sense when you aren't afraid of them and also that you mean them no harm

Some people just can't get it threw their head not all dogs like strangers. I have a lab that just don't trust people and really doesn't like other dogs at all. She will let strangers pet her but it must be on her turms. She has to come to you. She will smell your hand and then get close enough so you can pet here as long as she can see your hand coming. Once you get passed this you have a friend for life. If you just walk up and reach for her she will back up. If you grab her trying to force her to be friends you better count your fingers because you may have a few missing before you can get away.Best thing to do is ask the owner first. They know the best way to befriend their dog or just let it alone.

Liz: I have raised German Shepherds for 30 years, and each one has its own distinct personality. However the #1 rule with any dog is: rather than extend your hand, extend your fist. If a dog is threatened, and not showing any signs, your fist gets bit, and you don't lose your fingers. You're not alone.........99% of the population doesn't know this.